Minister orders schools to close until Thursday as heavy snowfall expected

MORE than 850,000 pupils will have to stay at home until at least Thursday after Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe’s decision to close all schools because of worsening weather conditions.

The decision was made after experts warned that the Arctic chill will hit a “dangerous” new phase from tomorrow as rationing of dwindling road salt supplies coincides with severe snow falls. Up to 10cm of snow is expected to hit Munster and Leinster from Sunday afternoon.

There is speculation that schools could be asked to delay summer holidays, or shorten Easter holidays, to make up for the days lost to weather-enforced closures.